I absolutely loved every minute I spent in Michigan this past weekend. It was so surreal being home, especially after 2 years away, but I really enjoyed the people and time away from work.
I was also able to spend a lot of time contemplating a lot of things in my life. I know I think too much, but taking a step back this weekend has really rejuvenated my soul and has made my outlook on life a tad bit more positive. In fact, coming back today I received a comment from a co-worker who said I looked like I brought back the happiness and love of my family to FL and my spirit was awakened.
Visiting home after being gone for so long was tough. Tough, only because in my mind I think of home as one thing (past) and then see it in the present, which skews my perception of what my home should be. My parents are in the process of selling their house, so I know some of the staging is for selling, but going into what used to be my little brother's room to an empty slate was disappointing. I think they kept my room similar because I was visiting - come April, who knows if anything will be there...
I met my best friend's boyfriend/non-boyfriend. Such a sweet guy. I told her to tell him that I think he's "wholesome" because he loves his family (and spends time with them), has a good job, owns a house, makes time for his good buddies, and treats people with respect. There's been some speculation about him from another friend, but I didn't see anything that this friend has told my BFF. Sure, we all have a past, but why let that run our present and future? 
I had a run in with the credit union. My mom and I were out doing some errand-running and I really needed a little cash. I called my FL credit union to find a MI credit union that wouldn't deduct fees for withdrawing money. Found one nearby, but their ATM machine ATE my debit card! It was frustrating mess of calling my bank, getting the answer of "no" from them in my request for a fax to the MI bank to have them give me my card back. Turns out in the letter my bank sent me, the card was going to be deactivated ont he 8th because of some compromising situation with my account from a breach in security at a local restaurant. Well, I received the new debit card, but hadn't received the new PIN, so while I was waiting, I was using the old card. Woops. Lesson learned.Went to Kroger (LOVE this place) and tried purchasing some adult beverages. Who would have thought that the cashier was going to take my driver's license away. She just took it to the service desk to make sure it was valid because they are only trained to look at Michigan licenses. To some extent I understand this, but I feel like people should be familiar with them because people are known to travel.
Spent some time with my grandparents. They are the sweetest. I brought them some banana bread my mom made, and when I got there, we ate some bread and had some Michigan apple cider. That is one thing I truly miss about Michigan in the fall. The cider, donuts, and trip to the cider mill for a hay ride and pumpkins. {see clock picture - I want one. Where to find one for purchase?}
I also spent the day shopping with my best friend - and hung out one of the night's with her mom. I'm such a lucky person to have such a great friend, but to have a second mom - words can't express.
All in all, what a fabulous weekend. If only I didn't have to work - I'd move back to Michigan in a heartbeat.
